Welcome to the Climate Equity Hub!

What is a heat pump water heater (HPWH) and how does it work? 

A heat pump water heater (HPWH) is an energy-efficient alternative to traditional water heaters that uses electricity to move heat from one place to another instead of generating heat directly. 

HPWH’s work like a refrigerator in reverse by pulling heat from the surrounding air and transferring it -- at a higher temperature -- to heat water in a storage tank. 

How big is a HPWH?  

Heat pump water heaters (HPWHs) come in various sizes, but a typical residential unit is slightly taller than a comparable conventional water heater 

Will I have instant hot water?  

Storage hot water systems, whether gas-fired or electric, heat and store warm water in their tank until it’s needed. While this water is available immediately, it may take about 30 seconds for it to reach your water fixture. 

What if my home has limited electrical capacity? 

HPWH’s by themselves will not generally cause you to exceed your home’s electrical capacity, especially if low-wattage (120V) models are specified. Your installer and advisor will be able to help you make a final determination. 

If the installation is not fully covered through incentives, will I have to pay out-of-pocket to cover the remaining costs? 

Projects are vetted thoroughly to ensure that the cost will NOT exceed the available funding. The project agreement, which is signed by the resident and the contractor, guarantees that the resident will NOT have to cover any costs.  

How much does switching to a HPWH typically cost?  

Although installing a heat pump water heater typically costs between $5,500 and $7,500, there is no charge for residents eligible for this program.  

Will replacing my gas water heater with heat pump water heaters increase my energy bill? 

Although adding another electric appliance in your home will increase your electricity use, this will be offset by a decrease in your gas bill. Because HPWHs are so efficient, they generally do not increase your energy costs despite currently high electric rates.  

After signing up, how soon can the new water heater be installed? What is the overall timeline? 

After signing up and confirming your eligibility with the team, the water heater installation can be scheduled in as little as 5 days or as long as 3 months. The timeline is largely dependent on how quickly the resident moves along with income verification and the availability of the contractor.  

How long does the actual installation process take? Will we have to temporarily vacate our unit? 

On average, a HPWH installation takes 1-3 hours. You will not need to vacate the premise while work is being done. However, it is important to adequately prepare your space for the installation (i.e. clear a path to the water heater).  

What happens if my HPWH malfunctions or needs serviced in the future?  
 

The heat pump water heater carries a 10-year warranty from the manufacturer. All labor and materials carry at least a one-year guarantee. Any call backs within the first year will therefore be free of charge.  

Is there substantial follow-up paperwork that will be required for this program? 

Following the installation, residents will need to register their new water heater for the Ohm energy savings program and provide proof of participation. This is a relatively simple process that should take less than 30 minutes.  

Climate Equity Hub staff or partners will reach out to ensure that the process went smoothly and evaluate your satisfaction with the process and the water heater.  

How do I get my landlord to participate in this program? 

As a renter you are still eligible for the HPWH program, but you will have to work through your landlord. If you are comfortable doing so, introduce this program to your landlord and let them know that it will come at no cost to them. 

I’m interested in this program, but my landlord is unreachable/not interested/skeptical. Can SF Environment help mediate? 

Yes, SF Environment staff can speak with your landlord. Please contact the team at [email protected] and provide the details of your situation.  

Will installing a heat pump water heater increase my rent (via pass-through costs)? 

No, since the water heater is being installed at no cost to the landlord/property management group, the cost cannot be passed through.  

Can a landlord use this “renovation” as a reason to evict me? 

No, in accordance with the San Francisco Rent Ordinance, landlords must have just cause for eviction, of which this project does not qualify. Additionally, this process will be minimally disruptive and will NOT require any relocation of tenants.

Who are the Hub’s participating electrification advisors? 

The list of firms serving as electrification advisors can be found here. Additional firms may be added if they successfully respond to the open call (see below).  

What are the responsibilities of an Electrification Advisor?  

Advisors are responsible for ensuring that projects are completed in a timely manner and within a budget that is fully covered by incentives. They serve as a participating resident’s guide through the electrification process and train them on the proper/efficient use of their new water heater. In addition, they ensure that residents are signed up for the lowest-cost electric rate and any required demand-response programs and ensure resident satisfaction with the installation after project completion.   

How can firms become Electrification Advisors? 

SF Environment has established an Open Call for Electrification Advisors and encourages interested parties to review the Scope of Work carefully before submitting their proof of qualifications and references. Successful applicants will be connected with interested SF residents and listed on the Hub website.